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The legendary eighth institution exists beyond official record. Located within The Vale—a semi-sentient, possibly multi-dimensional valley—the Academy is taught directly by the immortal masters of The Cabal. Its existence is neither confirmed nor denied by any authority, yet its influence permeates all aspects of magical society.
305-365
Total Population
200-250
Students
66
Total Instructors
3-4:1
Student:Instructor
Academy recognizes ranks up to W5, though most students graduate before reaching that level.
Permanent positions
Student-instructors (rotating 2-8 years)
Mixed races & backgrounds
Comparison: Imperial Academy has 20:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Founders Academy's 3-4:1 ratio is the best in all of Aethoria.
The Vale is a semi-sentient, possibly multi-dimensional valley that serves as both location and protector. It controls all entry and exit—no one enters or leaves without The Vale's permission. The valley responds to inhabitants' needs, growing and adapting over time.
Not counted in official population but present in The Vale:
| Master | Title | Specialty | Reps |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Aldric | The Redeemer's Lich | Ethics & Politics | 0* |
| Miriel | The Cabal's Sorceress | Magic Theory & Sorcery | 6 |
| Vorindor | The Philosopher Dragon | Philosophy & Politics | 4 |
| Nixus | The Eternal Alchemist | Alchemy & Herbalism | 6 |
| Ragnor | The Deathless General | Combat, Tactics & Survival | 6 |
| Zahra al-Nuri | The Last Laughing Djinn | Conjuration Magic | 5 |
| Farin Brownlock | Master Summoner | Summoning & Contracts | 5 |
| Brunhilda | The Iron-Armed Artificer | Runes, Enchantment & Artifice | 6 |
| Eldamar | The Wandering Diplomat | Diplomacy & Magic Fundamentals | 7 |
| Asterion | The Star-Marked Seer | Astronomy & Divination | 5 |
| Aeron | The Dimensional Dancing Fae | Dimensional Magic | 5 |
| Total Representatives | 55 | ||
Aldric teaches ALL his own courses personally because ethics cannot be delegated. His own redemption journey is central to the teaching—students need to hear from someone who failed morally and is working toward redemption. The emerald in his chest that pulses with redemption progress is part of the lesson.
Courses taught personally: Foundations of Ethics (all levels), Applied Moral Philosophy (Journeyman+), Ethics in Crisis (W1+), Governance and Moral Leadership (W2+), Redemption and Responsibility (W3+, invitation-only)
Classes mix students of all levels (except intro courses). The Registrar groups students by age (±3 years) when possible, creating cohorts that learn together across ranks.
The Support Staff represents one of the most diverse collections of beings in Aethoria. Unlike traditional institutions, The Vale has become a sanctuary for those who cannot exist in ordinary society: the cursed, the exiled, the traumatized, the transformed, and the simply different.
Chief Administrator & Student Records
Demon (Bound)
Age: Unknown (~800+ years)
Attacked The Vale approximately 800 years ago seeking power. Bound by Farin Brownlock using contract magic. Over centuries, genuine affection for students developed. Now fiercely protective of "his" students.
Mistress of Kitchens and Hearths
Unknown Entity
Age: Unknown (predates Miriel's arrival ~2,700 years ago)
An entity of immense power whose magic simply dissolves around her. Possibly a manifestation of The Vale's hospitality itself. Has been at The Vale since before Miriel arrived. No one knows her true nature - she finds this hilarious.
Head Healer and Medical Director
Human
Age: 52
Trained at Temple of Sacred Knowledge in Al-Nur. Rose to chief healer before age 40, then voluntarily left to teach at Founders Academy. Believes healing is incomplete without teaching others to heal.
Master of Grounds and Gardens
Gnome (Giant - Alchemically Altered)
Age: 142
Kidnapped at age 60 by mad alchemist, subjected to horrific growth experiments for 15 years. Escaped but couldn't return home - too large for gnome warrens. The Vale itself sensed his pain and drew him in ~47 years ago.
Master of Archives and Ancient Texts
High Elf
Age: 847
Former royal librarian of fallen Silverleaf Kingdom. Watched 200,000+ volumes burn when kingdom fell - managed to save only 47 books. Wandered in grief for 80 years. Miriel spent 3 years coaxing him back to life.
Keeper of Stables and Beasts
Hill Giant (young)
Age: 34
Rejected by hill giant clan for being "too gentle" - preferred animals to raiding. Lived alone with wild horse herd for 13 years before Cabal found her. Animals trust her instinctively.
All instructors (except Masters) are students who rose through ranks internally
~10-15 representatives change annually, ensuring constant renewal
Students of different ranks learn together, teaching each other
The Vale and Castle assist education as living entities
Novice → Adept → Journeyman → W1 (Teaching Fellow) →W2 (Second Rep) → W3 (First Rep potential) → W4-W5 (Senior First Rep) →Graduate/Leave or rare permanent appointment
Wilhelm's gardens provide feast. Music, dancing, gratitude.
Quiet ceremony for those lost. Memorial grove tended.
Gardens planted with student help. New arrivals welcomed.
Staff share accomplishments. Memento records year's events.
There is no dedicated counselor position. Student welfare is handled through a network of care:
Physical and emotional health
Academic and personal mentorship
Moral and ethical guidance (available any time)
Multi-level classes create natural mentorship
Responds to student emotional needs
Late-night sanctuary for troubled souls
The diversity of Founders Academy's population represents its core values:
"You belong here, regardless of where you came from or what you've survived. Your past doesn't define your worth. Your service and character do."